Regional authorities in Los Lagos, Chile have emphasized the significant 88% decrease in the areas affected by wildfires, 364 hectares compared to 3,032 hectares last season.
This demonstrated a substantial improvement in operational efficiency and emergency response capacity, highlighting the work of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and the National Disaster Prevention and Response System in this area.
Chiloé province accounted for the largest number of fires (45%), albeit with lower damage per incident, while Osorno, despite having fewer fires, had the largest average affected area.
This season, three helicopters were permanently deployed in Puerto Montt, Chiloé and Palena and for the first time, an AirTractor (AT) aircraft with a 2,000-liter water capacity was deployed. The aircraft was permanently deployed in Osorno, but was ready to operate throughout the Los Lagos Region.
Regional Presidential Delegate Paulina Muñoz stated: “The forest fire impact in the region showed positive figures because the affected area was reduced, which implies significant work by our government.
“This reflects the significant investment in equipment, with three helicopters and an AT aircraft permanently deployed in the region, with a budget investment of nearly 5 billion pesos. We are grateful for all the work of the CONAF brigades, the Fire Department, municipal teams and many other institutions.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Agriculture, Tania Salas added: “We are nearing the end of the forest fire season, with positive and favorable numbers. We had 364 hectares affected, compared to 3,032 hectares last season.
“This is the result of the work of many institutions, but always supported by the community. Each fire was addressed in a timely manner, thanks to the great work of CONAF and several institutions.”
Miguel Leiva, Regional Director of CONAF Los Lagos, expressed: “We want to thank the many institutions that helped us this season.
“We want to thank the Fire Department, the Chilean Carabineros, and the Municipality of Puerto Montt. I want to thank the regional delegate, all the delegations and our regional secretary of Agriculture for all their support.”
It has been announced by regional authorities in Chile that there has been a significant 88% decrease in the areas affected by wildfires, 364 hectares compared to 3,032 hectares last season.
Regional Presidential Delegate of Los Lagos, Paulina Muñoz shared that the reduced risk of forest fires in the region implies the significant work by the government.
